Note the flashlight and lantern to illuminate the issues
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Note the flashlight and lantern to illuminate the issues |
But as resourceful Acton and Agua Dulce residents, we brought our own tables, chairs and flashlights for our meeting. The Next Surplus Property Committee will meet on 9-20-04 at 7:00pm at the Acton community club primarily as Mike Hughes has to be at the Acton Town Council meeting that begins at 7:30pm at same place.
Note: Wagner's comment that we can't afford "the expense of custodial services" makes no sense as a custodian was present inside while the committee meet outside and the committee always returned the room to it prior state. The Vanguard offered to pay the going rate to rent the room, but Wagner refused to allow it. Next meeting of the Surplus property COmmittee will be 9-20-04 at the Community Club at 78 pm.
As scheduled and posted, the 7/11 surplus committee met on Monday the 13th of September at Meadowlark campus. This time the doors were locked as predicted and announced by the superintendent Dr. Wagner in an email to the members, dated September 13, 10:44 AM. I quote:
”…..The surplus committee does not legally exist at this time. Therefore, the district cannot continue to incur the expense of custodial services for your meetings. Please pursue an alternate place to meet with those who wish to continue this discussion.”
Can you believe this? Note the words “at this time”. She is not so sure whether or not the commission is still legally in place.
These circumstances did not prevent the committee to conduct the meeting. It took place on the entrance of the campus. Members and visitors brought chairs, tables and lights. The outcome of the meeting was interesting and fruitful. The commission will be ready as requested by the board with a surplus report which probably will not be accepted by the school board. Until further notice, another meeting will take place next Monday.
Why is this committee suddenly irrelevant? The membership dropped to 6 because 5 members resigned. On the other hand, the school board did not take any action on the resignations or the viability of the remaining members saying that the committee dissolved itself. Therefore the belief of the community is that the committee still exists.
The Board does not want to hear any criticism on the closing of Acton Elementary and on the final report on “what is surplus property”.
On Sunday I received an email from the school board president Steve Harbeson and I quote:
“Do your recall. if you don't try, it proves that you are all talk and no one is listening.”
(The word if needs to be capitalized after punctuation, Mr. Harbeson)
Mr. Harbeson, you are barking up the wrong tree. You need to correspond with all those who want to replace you and others, and who are organizing your possible recall.
I feel sorry for the kids who deserve a better educational environment. Now we know that the portables needed at several locations will not be ready till January or later. I got an interesting humorous suggestion to share with you from a resident of the community: “Why don't we close all the schools, create a large school trailer park, put wheels on all the portables so we can move them from one location to another at a moments notice. What a saving that would be”. Let's face it, some people still have a sense of humor.
Final comment and question: do you feel that this superintendent and school board are sensitive to the needs of the children and their parents? Your comments are appreciated.
Bernard Schwab Your school watchdog
